The Writer's Almanac
Encyclopedia
The Writer's Almanac is a daily radio and on-line program and podcast of poetry and historical interest pieces, usually of literary significance. It is hosted by Garrison Keillor
and is produced and distributed by American Public Media
. Program sponsors include, among others, The Poetry Foundation, publisher of Poetry Magazine and The Mosaic Foundation of Rita and Peter Heydon.
Each program is five minutes long and begins with the phrase "And here is the Writer's Almanac..." Each daily program includes vignettes about authors and other noteworthy people whose birthdays coincide with the date of the particular program, as well as excerpts of important events in history. The program continues with one or more poems usually chosen by Keillor, and ends with Keillor's traditional sign-off, "Be well, do good work, and keep in touch." The program's theme music is a version of the Swedish song "Ge mig en dag", performed by Richard Dworsky
on the piano.
Usually recorded two to three weeks in advance, Keillor typically records an entire week of programs at one time. Written by Betsy Allister, Priscilla Kinter, Heather McPherson, and Holly Vanderhaar, the program is engineered and edited by Thomas Scheuzger, Noah Smith, and Sam Hudson. Production assistance is by Kathy Roach and Katrina Cicala.
Garrison Keillor
Gary Edward "Garrison" Keillor is an American author, storyteller, humorist, and radio personality. He is known as host of the Minnesota Public Radio show A Prairie Home Companion Gary Edward "Garrison" Keillor (born August 7, 1942) is an American author, storyteller, humorist, and radio...
and is produced and distributed by American Public Media
American Public Media
American Public Media is the second largest producer of public radio programs in the United States of America after NPR. Its non-profit parent, American Public Media Group, also owns and operates radio stations in Minnesota, California, and Florida. Its station brands are Minnesota Public Radio,...
. Program sponsors include, among others, The Poetry Foundation, publisher of Poetry Magazine and The Mosaic Foundation of Rita and Peter Heydon.
Each program is five minutes long and begins with the phrase "And here is the Writer's Almanac..." Each daily program includes vignettes about authors and other noteworthy people whose birthdays coincide with the date of the particular program, as well as excerpts of important events in history. The program continues with one or more poems usually chosen by Keillor, and ends with Keillor's traditional sign-off, "Be well, do good work, and keep in touch." The program's theme music is a version of the Swedish song "Ge mig en dag", performed by Richard Dworsky
Richard Dworsky
Richard A. Dworsky is a pianist, a composer, and appears weekly on the A Prairie Home Companion public radio variety show from American Public Media as the resident pianist and band leader...
on the piano.
Usually recorded two to three weeks in advance, Keillor typically records an entire week of programs at one time. Written by Betsy Allister, Priscilla Kinter, Heather McPherson, and Holly Vanderhaar, the program is engineered and edited by Thomas Scheuzger, Noah Smith, and Sam Hudson. Production assistance is by Kathy Roach and Katrina Cicala.